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as in latitude
the right to act or move freely as special guests of the owners, the youngsters had full freedom of the resort and its private beach

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word freedom different from other nouns like it?

The words liberty and license are common synonyms of freedom. While all three words mean "the power or condition of acting without compulsion," freedom has a broad range of application from total absence of restraint to merely a sense of not being unduly hampered or frustrated.

freedom of the press

When could liberty be used to replace freedom?

In some situations, the words liberty and freedom are roughly equivalent. However, liberty suggests release from former restraint or compulsion.

the released prisoner had difficulty adjusting to his new liberty

In what contexts can license take the place of freedom?

While in some cases nearly identical to freedom, license implies freedom specially granted or conceded and may connote an abuse of freedom.

freedom without responsibility may degenerate into license

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of freedom As an instructor for small children in her early career, Daube seeks to retain the freedom and fearless approach to art. Dawn Giangiulio, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025 This will also likely give you more comfort to fade your presence and oversight of your children’s outdoor play, giving them even more benefit of the freedom of unstructured time without an adult! Emily Edlynn, Parents, 4 Apr. 2025 That the pendulum has swung again to claims of personal freedom over real public benefit in the case of fluoride fundamentally misunderstands the role of community and society. Megha Satyanarayana, Scientific American, 4 Apr. 2025 The high school student, who was gearing up to get her driver’s license, was gushing about getting her freedom. Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for freedom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for freedom
Noun
  • This granted them the autonomy to explore sponsorship opportunities and entrepreneurial ventures to maximize their financial potential.
    Mark LaSota, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • This innovation combines artificial intelligence (AI) with neuroscience, allowing a paralyzed man to manipulate a robotic arm by imagining movements, a feat that marks a significant milestone in restoring autonomy to people with severe motor impairments.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The whales been spotted off the coast of Amelia Island near Jacksonville at the same latitude — but that’s about 370 miles east.
    Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2025
  • These authorities, primarily rooted in Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), provide the executive wide latitude to impose tariffs with minimal consultation or oversight.
    Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This would apply to all mineral resources, including oil and gas, and major energy assets which Ukrainian officials fear would undermine their nation's sovereignty.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Extradition was another historical pain point for the Mexican left, with its implied premise that American justice superseded Mexican sovereignty.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • With recipient authorizations, FedEx couriers can deliver the parcel to customers’ doorsteps and take a real-time photo showing its exact position, according to the company.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Prior authorization has become a pain point for patients and doctors.
    Lauren Sausser | KFF Health News, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Now, European nations are hoping to foster a new era of independence, with private companies at the helm.
    Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Be honest about strategic intent: If the acquisition will eventually be fully integrated, communicate this from the beginning rather than creating false expectations of independence.
    Jennifer J. Fondrevay, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Sponsors have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
    Austin Mock, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The Department of Transportation was notified to conduct traffic control.
    Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This visit was very important signal for our partners that Kyiv, much more safety right now, and also very important signal that Great Britain stay together with Ukraine, support Ukraine -- support our country in the fight for our freedom, for our independency.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2022
  • Yet the careful reader will appreciate the significance of the Puritan Cromwell’s independency.
    Barton Swaim, WSJ, 27 Dec. 2021
Noun
  • Still, putting off getting a driver’s license may have impacts on teens safety as well as their development of independence, experts say.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Students will be able to earn private and commercial pilot licenses, instrument flight ratings and flight instructor certifications, all while completing a four-year degree.
    Anthony Madden, Arkansas Online, 4 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Freedom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/freedom. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.

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